2008 AUDI A4 warning light

Driver information system 30•
Speed warning - to set the speed above which a warning signal
will sound.
Speed limit warning 2 can be adjusted in increments of 10 km/h
between 30 and 240 km/h.
Auto-check controlIntroductionThe auto-check control checks important components and vehicle
systems. These background checks are run constantly, as long as
the ignition is switched on.
A message is displayed in the instrument cluster if a fault should
occur or if any maintenance or repairs are urgently required. This is
accompanied by an audible warning signal. Depending on the
priority of the fault, a red or yellow warning symbol lights up in the
display.
The red symbols indicate a serious malfunction, whereas the yellow
ones represent other malfunctions or items requiring attention.
Additional messages to assist the driver may be shown with the red
or yellow symbols.
Automatic gearbox* function test
The auto-check control automatically checks the vehicle systems
when the ignition is switched on. If the selector lever is in position
P or N, the following instruction will appear:
When stationary apply footbrake while selecting gear
When a gear (R, D etc.) is selected, this message disappears and the
auto-check control function is displayed.
The driver message will disappear 30 seconds after switching on
the ignition or earlier, if there are other driver messages or malfunc-
tions.If one or more faults are detected, the driver information message
(as above) will disappear about 15 seconds after the engine has
been started and the appropriate fault symbol(s) will appear in the
display. The warning display will be accompanied by the corre-
sponding warning chime.
Applies to vehicles: with speed warning functionDriver messages
Additional messages to assist the driver are displayed
together with the warning symbols in the instrument
cluster.For example, the following driver message will appear if the selector
lever for the automatic gearbox* is not in position P when you
switch off the engine:
Shift to P, otherwise vehicle can roll away. Doors do not lock if
lever is not in P.
The ignition key can only be withdrawn when the selector lever is in
this position. Similar messages will be displayed if other functions
of this kind cannot be carried out.
Driver messages and red symbols
If a red warning symbol appears in the display, it will automatically
be accompanied by the corresponding driver message.
Fig. 24 Instrument
cluster: SET button
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Driver information system 32Alternator fault

If the symbol
 flashes in the instrument cluster display, there is an
alternator fault or a fault in the vehicle's electrical system. In addi-
tion, a message will appear. This message will disappear after about
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by pressing the
button.
You should normally be able to drive to the next available qualified
workshop. However, you should avoid using electrical equipment
that is not absolutely necessary because this will drain the battery.
Caution
If the coolant warning lamp
 in the instrument display lights up
as well as the alternator warning lamp while driving ⇒page 33, stop
the vehicle immediately and switch off the engine. In this case the
coolant pump is no longer being driven, and there is a risk of engine
damage.
Fault in the brake system

A fault in the brake system should be corrected as soon as
possible.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a fault in the
brake system. The symbol is accompanied by a driver
message giving you more information about the fault. This
message will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can
call it up again at any time by pressing the button:
Stop vehicle and check brake fluid level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Check the brake fluid level ⇒page 262.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.Warning! Fault in ABS brake system. Contact
workshop
– Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified ⇒.
Parking brake ! Please contact workshop
– If the symbol appears after you switch on the ignition
when the vehicle is stationary, please check whether you
can release the parking brake. If this is possible, you
should drive without delay to the nearest qualified work-
shop and have the fault rectified. If the parking brake
cannot be released you should obtain professional
assistance.
– If this symbol should appear while driving, there may be
a malfunction in the drive-away assist or the emergency
brake functions. You may not be able to apply the parking
brake. It is also possible that you cannot release the
parking brake after it has been applied. Drive the vehicle
to a qualified workshop and have the fault repaired.
If the ABS fails, the ABS warning lamp
 will light up together with
the brake warning symbol
 ⇒.
WARNING
•
Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level,
observe the warning information on ⇒page 255, “Working on
components in the engine compartment”.
•
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could
result in an accident. Do not drive on. You should obtain profes-
sional assistance.
•
If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS
warning lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS
is out of action. As a result the rear wheels can lock relatively
SET
SET
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Driver information system33
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data easily when braking. This could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid
sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and
have the fault rectified.
Note
The warning lamp
 in the instrument cluster will start flashing as
well if there is a fault in the brake system.
Fault in the cooling system

Faults in the cooling system must be rectified immedi-
ately.If the
 symbol flashes in the display, this means that
either the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant
level is too low. The symbol is accompanied by a driver
message giving you more information about the fault. This
message will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can
call it up again at any time by pressing the button:
Switch off engine, check coolant level
–Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the coolant level ⇒page 261.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒page 261.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a
malfunction of the radiator fan.If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒page 32, it is
possible that the drive belt has broken.
WARNING
•
If your vehicle should break down for technical reasons, stop it
at a safe distance away from moving traffic, switch off the engine
and turn on the hazard warning lights ⇒page 61, “Hazard
warning lights ”.
•
Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine compartment; there is a risk of being
scalded. Wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping steam
or coolant.
•
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous
place. Before carrying out any work in the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and allow it to cool down. Please observe the
important safety warnings ⇒page 255, “Working on components
in the engine compartment”.Caution
Do not drive on if the symbol
 has come on to indicate a fault in
the cooling system, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the
engine.
Engine oil pressure too low

If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be recti-
fied immediately.If the

symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is
too low. The symbol is accompanied by a driver message
giving you more information about the fault. This message
WARNING (continued)
SET
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Driver information system 34
will disappear after about 5 seconds, but you can call it up
again at any time by pressing the button:
Switch off engine and check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch off the engine.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒page 258.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.If the engine oil level is too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒page 259.
If the engine oil level is correct
If the

symbol flashes and the engine oil level is correct, obtain
professional assistance. Do not drive on. Do not continue to run the
engine, not even at idle speed.
Note
The oil pressure warning lamp

is not an indicator for the oil
level. The oil level should therefore be checked regularly.
Add engine oil immediately

 WARNING! Please add oil immediately
If the  symbol lights up, you must add oil immediately
⇒page 259.
Fault in the steering system

The steering wheel cannot be unlocked if there is a fault
in the electronic steering lock.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied by a driver message giving you more information
about the fault. This message will disappear after about
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by
pressing the button:
Do not drive vehicle. Steering defective
– You should obtain professional assistance.
–Do not have the vehicle towed away.
WARNING
The vehicle must not be towed if there is a fault in the electronic
steering lock: the steering will be locked and the vehicle cannot be
steered. Towing a vehicle with locked steering can cause an acci-
dent.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Ignition lock defective

A fault in the ignition lock must be rectified immediately.If the symbol

flashes in the display, there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic ignition lock. The symbol is accompa-
nied by a driver message giving you more information
about the fault. This message will disappear after about
SET
SET
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Driver information system35
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by
pressing the button:
Ignition lock defective. Contact workshop!
–Do not switch off the engine.
– Drive the vehicle without delay to a qualified workshop
and have the fault repaired.The ignition cannot be switched off if there is a fault in the elec-
tronic ignition lock. For this reason, you should drive the vehicle
without delay to a qualified workshop and have the cause of the
fault repaired.
If the vehicle is equipped with the advanced key* feature, you
should not switch off the engine with the Stop/Start button because
it cannot be started again after the ignition has been switched off.
Note
On some models the symbol may look slightly different.Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol indicates a malfunction or other item
requiring attention.
Yellow symbols indicate a Priority 2 fault.
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The
symbol is accompanied by a driver message giving you more infor-
mation about the fault. This message will disappear after about
5 seconds, but you can call it up again at any time by pressing the
button.
The function indicated should be checked as soon as possible. The
yellow symbol will only go out when the fault has been rectified.
If several Priority 2 faults are detected at the same time, the symbols
are displayed one after the other for about 2 seconds at a time.
SET
Fig. 26 Display: Yellow
warning symbol

Dynamic steering
⇒page 36 and
⇒page 159

Brake pads worn
⇒page 37

Battery power*
⇒page 38

Bulb monitor*
Bulb failure*
⇒page 37

Check engine oil level
⇒page 38 or
⇒page 38

Engine oil sensor defective
⇒page 38

Fuel level low
⇒page 37

Washer fluid level low*
⇒page 37

advanced key*
Key not in vehicle
⇒page 36

Light sensor/rain sensor defec-
tive
⇒page 37

Diesel particulate filter*
obstructed
⇒page 38
SET
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Driver information system 36
NoteOn some models the speed limit warning 1
 and speed limit
warning 2
 will also be displayed as yellow symbols. These always
appear as a small symbol at the top of the display ⇒page 28.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi drive selectDynamic steering

 Dynamic steering: system fault
This message and the
 symbol will appear if a fault develops in the
system while the vehicle is moving. You can continue driving care-
fully at reduced speed to the next qualified workshop, however the
steering may feel heavier and its response may be more sensitive than usual. In addition, it is possible that the steering wheel will be
off centre when driving in a straight line.
Dynamic steering: initialising
If this message appears and the warning lamp
 flashes in the
instrument cluster, this indicates that the dynamic steering is being
initialised. The steering wheel will move slightly after the engine is
started. The dynamic steering may be initialised if the steering
wheel was moved while the vehicle was stopped. The warning lamp
will go out when the initialisation has been completed.
WARNING
Have the system malfunction in the dynamic steering repaired by
a qualified workshop as soon as possible – risk of accident.
Note
The stabilisation functions of the dynamic steering ⇒page 222 are
not available in the event of a system malfunction.Applies to vehicles: with advanced keyKey not in vehicle

 Key not in vehicle
This message will appear together with the symbol
 if the remote
control key is removed from the vehicle while the engine is running.
This is to remind you not to continue driving without the key (for
example if you change drivers).
If the remote control key is not in the vehicle you will not be able to
switch on the ignition or restart the engine after it has been
switched off. You will also not be able to lock the vehicle from the
outside.

Dynamic headlight range con-
trol* defective
⇒page 39

Battery in remote control key
⇒page 44

Electro-mechanical
parking brake
⇒page 123

adaptive light* defective
⇒page 39

Ignition lock defective
⇒page 39

Windscreen wiper defective
⇒page 39

Suspension control
⇒page 39
TPMS
Tyre pressure monitoring sys-
tem
⇒page 39
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Driver information system37
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Light sensor / rain sensor defective

 Automatic headlights / automatic wipers defective
If the  symbol appears, this means that the light sensor / rain
sensor is not functioning.For safety reasons, the dipped beam head-
lights will then be switched on permanently when the light switch
is set to the AUTO position. However, you can still switch the lights
on and off in the normal way with the light switch. If the rain sensor
is defective, the functions operated via the windscreen wiper lever
will still be available. You should have the light sensor / rain sensor
checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Brake pads worn

 Brake pads!
If the  symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for
safety's sake the rear pads as well) inspected by a qualified
workshop.
Applies to vehicles: with bulb monitorBulb monitor

The bulb monitor checks whether the lights on the vehicle
are working.The bulb monitor checks whether the lights on the vehicle are
working. If it detects a defective bulb on the vehicle it will show a
yellow warning symbol together with a message indicating which
light is not working.
Bulb failure

If the symbol
 lights up, this means that one of the turn signals
(front or rear), headlights, brake lights, rear lights, fog lights or the
rear fog light is not working.
WARNING
•
Bulbs are sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you
touch the bulb, causing injury.
•
Incorrect handling of the high-voltage element of xenon gas-
discharge bulbs* can have potentially fatal consequences.Note
Have the components repaired or replaced by a qualified
workshop.Applies to vehicles: with washer fluid warning systemWasher fluid level low

 Please top up washer fluid
If the  symbol lights up, top up the fluid for the windscreen
washer and headlight washer system* ⇒page 267.
Fuel level low

 Please refuel
When this symbol
 comes on for the first time, there are about
8 litres of fuel left in the tank. You should fill up as soon as possible
⇒page 252.
If this warning symbol lights up although the fuel tank is sufficiently
filled, there is a malfunction in the fuel tank system. The display will
also show the driver message Tank system malfunction ! Contact
workshop. Please contact a qualified workshop.
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Driver information system 38Applies to vehicles: with battery power warning systemBattery power

If battery power drops to a level at which you may encounter prob-
lems when starting the engine, the display will show the symbol

and the driver message Low battery charge: Battery will be charged
while driving.
Please bear in mind that the starting ability of the engine may be
impaired while this message is shown.
Message comes on and goes out again
If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched
on or while driving, and goes out again after a period of time, the
battery has been charged up again sufficiently while the vehicle was
being driven.
Message comes on and does not go out
If the message appears in the display after the ignition is switched
on or while driving, and does not go out again, the battery is not
being maintained at the proper power level. Starting reliability may
be impaired. You should have the battery checked by a qualified
workshop as soon as possible.
Engine oil level (without dipstick)

 Add oil, max. 1L. You may continue driving.
If the  symbol lights up in conjunction with this driver message,
add not more than 1 litre of oil at the next opportunity
⇒page 259.
Check engine oil level (with dipstick)

 Please check oil levelIf the
 symbol lights up in conjunction with this driver message,
please check the engine oil level as soon as possible ⇒page 258.
Top up the oil at the next opportunity ⇒page 259.
Engine oil sensor defective


Oil level ! Sensor defective
If the 
symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop
and have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to
check the oil level every time you fill up with fuel ⇒page 258.
Applies to vehicles: with diesel engine and diesel particulate filterDiesel particulate filter obstructed


Particle filter. See Owner's Manual
When the symbol

lights up you can assist the self-cleaning func-
tion of the filter by driving accordingly. You should drive at a speed
of at least 60 km/h (engine speed about 2,000 rpm) for about
15 minutes in 4th or 5th gear, or with the selector lever in position S
on vehicles with automatic gearbox*. As a result of the increase in
temperature the soot in the filter will be burned off. The symbol will
disappear once the cleaning process has been completed success-
fully.
If the symbol

does not go out, please contact a qualified work-
shop and have the fault rectified.
For further information on the diesel particulate filter ⇒page 229.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road,
terrain and traffic conditions. The recommended driving speed
must never lead to the driver disregarding the traffic regulations.
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